Mario Cordero appointed Port of Long Beach’s new Executive Director

The Long Beach Board of Harbor Commissioners voted on April 14 to name Mario Cordero, a former chairman and current member of the Federal Maritime Commission, as the Port of Long Beach’s new Executive Director. Cordero, a Long Beach resident and attorney, served previously as President and as a longtime member of the Long Beach Board of Harbor Commissioners.

“After a comprehensive international search, the Board of Harbor Commissioners recognised that Mario Cordero is an ideal choice to lead the Port of Long Beach,” said Harbor Commission President Lori Ann Guzmán. “Mario not only has a deep understanding of the maritime industry from his leadership of the Federal Maritime Commission, but his service as a member of the Long Beach Harbor Commission gives him extensive knowledge of the needs of our carriers, terminal operators, cargo owners, and other trade partners. Mario approaches challenges from a bipartisan, collaborative perspective and as we seek to keep our port thriving, his combination of national and local experience is well-suited to carry us into the future.”

Cordero, via presidential appointment, has served on the Federal Maritime Commission since 2011, with a term set to expire in June 2019. He served as chairman from April 2013 until January 2017. While a Long Beach Harbor Commissioner from 2003 to 2011, Cordero helped to spearhead the Port’s pioneering Green Port Policy, formalized in 2005 and aimed at reconciling economic growth and environmental stewardship to achieve long-term, sustainable port development; he also served as President of the Harbor Commission from 2007 to 2008. Cordero has forged relationships with maritime representatives around the world, and he is poised to build consensus as new alliances change the face of the shipping industry.

Concurrent with his leadership positions at the Port of Long Beach, Cordero served on the Executive Board of the American Association of Port Authorities’ Latin American delegation. In this role, he led efforts to develop policies for greater cooperation, increased trade, and joint growth across the combined North American and Latin American footprint.

Cordero has practiced law for more than 30 years and has taught political science at Long Beach City College. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Political Science from California State University, Long Beach, and his law degree from the University of Santa Clara.

“I am so pleased to be coming back home to the Port of Long Beach during this time of dramatic change in the maritime industry,” noted Cordero. “The broad perspective I gained at the national level, along with my many years of service as a Long Beach Harbor Commissioner and my love for the community of Long Beach, will allow me to hit the ground running. We have a stellar leadership team in place, and I’ll be working closely with the Commission and our highly experienced staff in the months ahead to carry out our ambitious capital improvements and ensure that our customers and community members are well-served.”